Competitions are a big part, if not the highlight, of an athlete’s career. It’s a place where players can hone their skills, attitudes, and sportsmanship. Sports teaches us important values that can be carried on in life, and tournaments help us reach higher goals and open up opportunities for our future selves.
The day before a competition is crucial in preparing yourself mentally and physically for the upcoming match. Each person’s routine is different and, sometimes, there are special things we do on these days. Here are some things our Senior High School players do to prepare for tournaments. We interviewed Shawn Darren Chua, Corinne See, Gavrie Clemente, Nathan Lim, Rickson Caleb Tan, Jerwyn Angchua, and Klee Aeren Que.
Q: Pre-pandemic, what did you do the day before your competitions? Was there anything special you did in anticipation for the next day?
Shawn Darren Chua (Chess Varsity, Zion STEM): The day before competitions, I would usually try to fit in one or two chess games to psych myself and make sure I wouldn’t be rusty the next day. I’d make it a point not to overexert myself though so that I could get enough rest. From experience, one can only do so much in a day; cramming for competitions usually doesn’t work out well because you end up stressing yourself out. If possible, I'd try to finish all my requirements early, so I could clear my mind for the next day. Taking time to walk and think freely without many distractions generally helped me achieve this purpose.
Corrine See (Volleyball Varsity, Zion STEM): Pre-COVID, we would usually have training to prepare ourselves for the game. There was nothing special I did before then, [but] I just made sure I was able to get a lot of sleep and packed my gym bag for the next day, making sure I brought everything I needed, especially my jersey.
Gavrie Clemente (Football Varsity, Zion GAS): The day before the competition, I'd try to get enough sleep since I had to be at school by 5:30 am. I would do some stretches before I sleep to make sure I don't get injured when playing. Then, I would listen to music to calm myself in anticipation of the competition.
Nathan Lim (Basketball Varsity, Zion ABM): Usually, we would have practice the day before our competitions. We would practice our plays, sets, and game plans. Sometimes, we would go out as a team to eat and have team bonding to strengthen our chemistry together.
Rickson Caleb Tan (Badminton Varsity, Olive STEM): The day before competitions, I avoid training. I used to watch some replays of badminton tournaments days before the competition to get in the right mindset.
Jerwyn Angchua (Table Tennis Varsity, Zion STEM): The day before competitions, my coach always told me not to train. We never had training on the day before competitions to prevent burnout. Instead of training, I would watch or review games, make up random in-game scenarios, and maybe scout out my opponents.
Klee Aeren Que (Swimming Varsity, Olive STEM): I honestly just prepped my body and mind by stretching and praying. I also prepped the things that I would use for the competition. Something special I did was [drink] milk with honey [to] give me a good night’s rest. Another thing I did that's special is trying my suit [on] the night before.
Q: How do you prepare for the next day mentally and physically?
Shawn Darren Chua: I personally love bughouse, a team-based game which allows one's imagination to roam free. It was especially amusing trying to coordinate with new teammates under low-time conditions. This variant truly provided for an absolute contrast to the usual serious and calculated games.
Corrine See: Physically, we would have training to prepare ourselves for the game. Mentally, our coach told us to prepare for the game so that we would be able to do our best.
Nathan Lim: Mentally, I would pray the day before and talk to our coaches about our game plan for the competition.
Rickson Caleb Tan: I made sure that I don't physically or mentally over-exert myself the day before. I wouldn't work out and would do light exercises only. If there were homeworks or projects assigned to me, I prefer to do only half of it or even none of it so that I won't get stressed out.
Jerwyn Angchua: To prepare mentally, I usually pray. Prayer helps me get through competitions, especially when I am nervous because it gives me peace. Physically, I make sure that I eat well and sleep early. It is hard to play when [I'm] not physically or mentally ready, so it is super important to prepare beforehand.
Klee Aeren Que: Just stretching and praying did the job for me. Once I was in the water, the adrenaline was the thing I used to try to do my best. I also already had a mindset that I don't need to do good here, being where I am is fine, and doing my best is fine as well.
Q: In your opinion, what is the best thing about competing?
Shawn Darren Chua: Pre-pandemic, I always used to look forward to the thrill of competing; the competitive spirit often resulted in very exciting games. However, I found spending time with competitors from different schools much [more] enjoyable. Conversing with one another, as well as playing more creative chess variants, allowed for well-deserved breaks after otherwise exhausting days.
Corrine See: I think the best thing about competing is getting to spend time with my teammates.
Gavrie Clemente: In my opinion, the best thing about competing is the thrill of competing. I like competing with other teams and facing off against each other. I like the rush of adrenaline when running or scoring a goal.
Nathan Lim: The best thing about competing is seeing the hard work you and your teammates have put in and reaping something out of it. I would have my pre-game prayer, and I would message some loved ones before the game and update them as it is ongoing.
Rickson Caleb Tan: One of the things that I really enjoy about competitions is the experience. I get to meet new people, play against different types of players, and get better as well.
Jerwyn Angchua: The best thing about competing is the rivalries you create during the tournament. Rivalries are what keeps me going and make me want to be better. The rivalries can either be from other schools or within my own team. This is what gives me the adrenaline to compete and to train.
Klee Aeren Que: For me, the best thing about competing is the joy of being around people you love, family, teammates, and coaches cheering you on.
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